Temporary shedding of hair after a major illness, surgery, or pregnancy

Symptoms

Hair thinning is different from that of male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness:

Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.

The front hairline remains

The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men

Itching or skin sores on the scalp are generally NOT seen.

Signs and tests

Female pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on:

Ruling out other causes of hair loss

The appearance and pattern of hair loss

Your medical history

The doctor will examine you for other signs of too much male hormone (androgen), such as:

Abnormal new hair growth, such as on the face or between the belly button and pubic area.

Changes in menstrual periods and enlargement of the clitoris

New acne

A skin biopsy or other procedures or blood tests may be used to diagnose skin disorders that cause hair loss.

Looking at the hair under a microsope may be done to check for arsenic or lead. Looking at the hair this way does not accurately diagnose nutritional problems.

Treatment

The hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent, if not treated. In most cases, hair loss is mild to moderate. You do not need treatment if you are comfortable with your appearance.

MEDICATION

The only medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil. It is applied to the scalp.

For women, the 2% concentration is recommended.

Minoxidil may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women. In most women it may slow or stop hair loss.

You must continue to use this medicine for a long time. Hair loss starts again when you stop using it.

If minoxidil does not work, your doctor may recommend a medicine called spironolactone, taken by mouth:

Spironolactone may help if your hair loss is caused by too much androgen, a male hormone.

The drug is not FDA-approved for female baldness.

It can cause increased potassium levels in the blood. It should not be used in women with kidney failure or who are pregnant.

HAIR TRANSPLANTS

Hair transplants remove tiny plugs of hair from areas where hair is thicker, and place them in areas that are balding. This can cause minor scarring where the hair is removed, and carries a slight risk for skin infection. You will likely need many transplants. This can be expensive. However, the results are often excellent and permanent.

The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.

Stitching (suturing) hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp.

Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle may disguise hair loss and improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness.

Expectations (prognosis)

Female pattern baldness is usually not a sign of an underlying medical disorder.

Some women say it the baldness affects their self-esteem and may cause anxiety.

Hair loss is usually permanent.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor or nurse if you have hair loss and it continues, especially if you also have itching, skin irritation, or other symptoms. There might be a treatable medical cause for the hair loss.